ST. LEO CATHOLIC SCHOOL - dcdsb
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ST. LEO CATHOLIC
SCHOOL
Catholic School Agenda
2019-2020
120 Watford Street
Brooklin, Ontario
Tel: (905) 655-3852
Fax: (905) 655-5079
Website: http://stleo.dcdsb.ca
Principal: Mr. D. Malleau
This agenda belongs to
Name: _____________________________
Address: ____________________________
City: _______________________________
Phone: ____________________
Teacher: ______________Rm:___________
1
BOARD MISSION STATEMENT ST. LEO CATHOLIC SCHOOL PRAYER
We are called to celebrate and nurture the God-given St. Leo the Great, you always followed God’s ways.
talents of each student as we serve with excellence in Please teach us your ways and guide us
the light of Christ. So that we too can be faithful and successful
in our everyday lives.
OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY We pray that you keep our staff, students, and school
St. Leo Catholic School is a vibrant school community community safe, healthy and happy.
of approximately 250 students. We offer both English Help us to do our very best every day
and French language programs for our students and to reach out to those around us
including French Immersion (Gr. 1-8). who need our support and guidance.
Guide our hearts, souls and minds as we try
As a Catholic school, we are supported by the parish to follow in your footsteps and try always to do our
of St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, All Saints best.
Catholic Secondary School and Fr. Leo J. Austin St. Leo the Great, as we look up to you,
Catholic Secondary School. At St. Leo Catholic please keep us in your loving heart and teach us
School, each day begins with prayer. School Masses to be caring, loving, and gentle as you, our patron
and liturgical celebrations are scheduled regularly saint. Amen.
throughout the school year. LA PRIÈRES À ST. LEO
Saint Leo, tu as toujours suivi la voie de Dieu.
OUR PATRON SAINT Enseigne-nous tes façons et guide-nous à être
Pope Leo I, also known as Leo the Great, was Pope of fidèle et à réussir pendant notre journée.
the Christian Church from September 440 AD to his
death on November 10, 461 AD. He was an Italian Nous prions pour que tu gardes notre personnel,
aristocrat who was the first Pope to have been called nos élèves, et notre communauté sains, saufs et
“The Great.” heureux.
Aide-nous à faire notre meilleur chaque jour et à
During the time he served as Pope, Italy was being
tendre la main à ceux qui ont besoin de notre
attacked by barbarian armies. He is best known for
soutien et nos prières.
having met Attila the Hun in 452 AD and persuading
him to turn back from his invasion of Italy.
Saint Leo, garde-nous dans ton cœur aimant et
St. Leo the Great was not only renowned for building enseigne-nous à être aussi gentil, tendre et doux
que toi. Amen
and restoring Churches but was also known for the
spiritual leadership he provided for the Roman
ST. LEO THE GREAT R.C. CHURCH
congregations. His sermons, of which nine have been
St. Leo Catholic School’s home parish is St. Leo the
preserved, are remarkable for their depth, clarity and
Great Roman Catholic Church. The Church invites all
style.
families to celebrate the Sacred Liturgy each weekend
St. Leo died on November 10, 461 AD. His remains are and to take part in all parish social events.
buried in St. Peter’s beneath a special altar. In 1754 Pastor: Rev. Charles T. Forget
AD, he was proclaimed Doctor of the Church by Pope Address: 130 Watford Street,
Benedict XIV. St. Leo’s Feast Day is observed on Brooklin, ON L1M 1H2
November 10th. Phone: 905-655-3286
Fax: 905-655-4519
http://stleothegreat.ca/
2SCHOOL HOURS walkway and, for safety reasons, cars are not allowed
School begins: 8:05 am to drive through these pylons.
Recess: 9:30-9:45 am
Lunch: 10:50-11:50 am Parents and visitors to the school and to the YMCA
Recess: 1:15-1:30pm Day Care are not permitted to park for any length
of time in the fire route/bus loading zone. If you
Dismissal: 2:35 pm
leave your car in the fire route, at any time of day
or evening, you are parked illegally. Blocking fire
SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR
truck and emergency vehicle access is a safety risk
Thurs., Aug. 29, 2019 PA Day for our staff, students, and our facility. Parking
Mon., Sept. 2, 2019 Labour Day tickets ($70+) are regularly issued in this area.
Tues., Sept. 3, 2019 School begins Many students choose to walk or ride bikes,
Fri., Oct. 11, 2019 PA Day skateboards, and scooter boards to school. Bicycle
Mon., Oct. 14, 2019 Thanksgiving Day racks are provided at the north side of the school for
Fri., Nov. 15, 2019 PA Day those riding their bikes. Skateboards, scooters, and
Fri., Dec. 20, 2019 Last Day of Classes bikes are to be walked on school or Church
Mon., Dec. 23 to Jan 3 Christmas Break property. They are especially prohibited in the Church
Mon., Jan. 6, 2020 Classes Resume and staff parking lots. Students should wear helmets
Fri. Jan. 17, 2020 PA Day when riding. The storage and safe keeping of these
Mon., Feb. 17, 2020 Family Day items is not the responsibility of the school.
Fri., Mar. 13 – Mar. 20 March Break
Mon., Mar. 23, 2020 Classes Resume INCLEMENT WEATHER PROCEDURES
Fri., April 3, 2020 PA Day If weather conditions force the cancellation of
Fri., Apr. 10, 2020 Good Friday transportation services or classes for our students,
Mon., Apr. 13, 2020 Easter Monday notification will be given by all local radio stations.
Mon., May 18, 2020 Victoria Day Cancellation information will also be posted on the
Fri., June 5, 2020 PA Day Board’s website at www.dcdsb.ca. In the event buses
are cancelled, please note that the cancellation is for
Thurs., June 25, 2020 Last Day of Classes
both morning and end of the day. St. Leo’s will now
Fri., June 26, 2020 PA Day Tweet these cancellations. Join us @StLeoCS.
Durham Student Transportation Services has
ARRIVING SAFELY TO SCHOOL introduced weather zones for inclement weather
Parents are permitted to park in the Church parking lot cancellations. St. Leo is in Zone 4. You may be living
and in designated parking spots on the street when in a different zone. For more information and zone
maps, visit the following website: www.dsts.on.ca.
delivering children to school. The parking spots on
school property and in the staff parking lot are
SCHOOL COMMUNICATION
designated for staff use only. For safety reasons, A calendar of events and news highlights will be
parents and children are not permitted to walk continuously posted on our school website at:
through or ride through the parking areas. If you http://stleo.dcdsb.ca
are dropping or picking up your child from school, The ‘youngest or only’ child in each family is
please park off property or use the self-serve loop at designated as the person to courier other information
the back of the Church. This self-serve loop allows home to the family.
parents to safely drop-off and pick-up children on the
sidewalk directly behind the Church. A cross walk, HOMEWORK & AGENDAS
framed with pylons, allows safe passage for children Students from grades 1 – 8 use their agendas to record
into the school yard. The pylons mark a pedestrian and track homework and other important information
each day. The use of the agenda helps teach the
3students important learning skills like goal setting, time expected to leave for home immediately after
management, independence and organization. To dismissal. A staff member will ensure that all students
assist students in learning these skills, teachers have left the school property at the end of the day.
conduct a daily check of agendas and parents are Please note that the Church property is not a
asked to sign and check agendas each night as well. supervised area; therefore, it is important that students
The agendas include a section for both the parent and are not left waiting for rides for any length of time.
teacher to initial and indicate that the daily check has LUNCH PROCEDURES
been made. At the beginning of the year, parents are asked to notify
the classroom teacher of the lunch routine for their
The Durham Catholic District School Board has child i.e., stays at school for lunch or goes home daily
produced homework guidelines to ensure that each for lunch. Children who stay for lunch are expected to
student receives homework appropriate to his/her bring a lunch to school and stay on school property for
grade level and stage of academic development. the entire lunch period. Although strongly
Homework will consist of work not finished in class or discouraged by the school, a signed and dated
tasks assigned to practice a skill. Regular nightly note must be provided to the intermediate teacher
reading should be included whether it has been EACH TIME permission is given for an intermediate
explicitly assigned or not. The quantity of time devoted student to leave school property at lunch. It is
to daily homework should be approximately 10 minutes expected, for safety reasons, that parents of
times the grade level with the nightly reading primary and junior students will accompany their
requirement folded into this time. If parents have any children when purchasing lunches off property.
questions or concerns about the type or quantity of
their child’s homework they should contact their child’s In our attempt to reduce our waste, we ask all students
teacher directly. to bring a “waste-free” lunch to school. Students are
encouraged to transport food for lunch and snacks in
SIGNING YOUR CHILD IN & OUT re-usable lunch bags and plastic containers. As we do
It is important for parents and guardians to come to the not have any composting facilities at the school,
office and let the staff know if you would like to pick up students will be bringing home (boomerang) any waste
your child for an appointment or if you are returning from their snacks and lunches.
your child from an appointment. If your child generally
St. Leo Catholic School is a NUT SENSITIVE
stays for lunch and is going out with you for lunch,
SCHOOL. We ask for your help in protecting many of
please sign him/her out in the office. We will be happy
our students who are prone to experience anaphylactic
to arrange for your child to meet you in the office at the
seizures/reactions to nuts and nut based products. DO
appropriate time.
NOT SEND IN NUT PRODUCTS FOR SNACKS,
LUNCHES or SPECIAL CELEBRATIONS. Parents
SUPERVISION OF STUDENTS are asked to check all food items sent to school to
As always, we will continue our vigilant practices ensure that they do not contain any trace of nut or nut
regarding safety and supervision. At recess time, our oil products. Please note that Tim Hortons is not a nut-
yard is well supervised and staff in orange vests will free facility.
question anyone whose presence is not expected.
A note will be sent home at the beginning of the year
Supervision on the yard begins at 7:50 a.m. Students to outline other allergens. These other allergens must
must not arrive before this time. After 2:35 p.m. remain out of the classrooms of anaphylactic students.
dismissal, the bus zone is supervised until all buses Signs will be posted outside the affected classrooms.
have departed. Students who walk to school are Your cooperation is essential as we all work together
4to keep our school and community a safe environment they may come to school ill-prepared for these
for all students. conditions. Only with constant guidance can our
students learn to dress properly for the weather and
STUDENT INFORMATION the learning environment.
A Student Information Form is sent home at the
beginning of each school year for parents to verify and The Appropriate Dress Code of St. Leo Catholic
return. This information is then stored in the school School reflects the understanding that school is a
office to be used in the event of an emergency. The student’s place of work. Students are expected to be
school must always have an available contact dressed and groomed appropriately. Clothing must be
person in the case of an emergency. modest and must reflect our Catholic Education
system. Students should arrive to school each day in
It is imperative that parents take the time to ensure that comfortable, clean clothing appropriate for their daily
the information in these forms is correct and up-to- activities.
date. Should any information in the form change during The following describe the acceptable standards of
the course of the school year, please notify the school dress for students at St. Leo Catholic School:
office immediately. o Clothing must represent the ideals of our Catholic
school environment and be free of profanity,
ADMINISTRATION OF ORAL MEDICATION inappropriate messages, images or symbols.
If your child must take medication at school, an o Safe, non-marking indoor shoes are to be worn.
Administration of Oral Medication – Parent’s Consent o Non-marking athletic shoes are to be worn in the
and Instructions Form must be completed and signed. gym.
Forms are available at the office. The medication will o Hats, caps or hoods are not worn inside buildings.
be secured in a safe location. This policy applies to o Shorts, skirts and dresses are to be an appropriate
both prescription and over-the-counter drugs. length (i.e., to the bottom of the finger tips and at
least mid-thigh).
PARENT INVOLVEMENT o Undergarments are completely covered. This also
The St. Leo Catholic School Council is a group of means pants must be worn so not to expose
dedicated parents and staff who devote much time and undergarments.
energy to making our school community a better place o Shoulder straps are 5 cm wide (i.e., 3 fingers wide)
to be. Catholic School Council elections are held each with decent coverage at the armpit.
September. All parents are welcome to attend all o Tops do not show the midriff and are not low-cut.
meetings along with the council members. o Tights are not to be worn as pants. They may be
Parent volunteers are always welcome and worn under an appropriate length skirt, dress or
appreciated at St. Leo Catholic School. They provide shorts.
assistance in classrooms, act as chaperones on class o Sleepwear is not worn to school unless there is a
trips, prepare materials for students, and help with designated “Pajama Day.” On a designated
special events. Trip supervisors and volunteers must Pajama Day, sleepwear will follow the standards
provide a recent (within 12 months), approved Criminal outlined in this dress code.
Background Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening. Classroom Teachers and other staff will communicate
ST. LEO DRESS CODE with parents when student attire falls outside our
We encourage all parents to monitor how their children standards. In all matters related to appropriate
dress for school each day. Often, our students have clothing, the Principal will make the final decision.
not had enough experience to determine how weather
conditions may change during the day and, as a result,
5Durham Catholic District School Board
Safe, Caring and Healthy Elementary Schools
The Durham Catholic District School Board recognizes that a school should be a place that promotes responsibility, respect,
civility, and academic excellence in a safe learning and teaching environment. A positive school climate exists when all
members of the school community feel safe, comfortable, and accepted. It is the responsibility of all members of the school
community to work together to create a positive learning environment where all members feel supported.
Access to Premises
Parents/guardians are welcome to visit the school to discuss an issue with teachers or administrators. In keeping with the
Board’s Access to School Premises Policy, all doors will remained locked during school hours. Our Safe Welcome Program
provides an intercom and camera at the main door of the school for all visitors to communicate with the office prior to entering
the school. This enhances the safety of students and staff. Please remember that anyone coming into the school must first
sign in at the office and obtain a Visitor’s badge. (Parents/guardians are not allowed access to the school yard before school or
during recesses and noon hour.) At recess time, the school yard is well supervised and staff will question anyone whose
presence is not expected. Each member of staff is wearing photo ID and is identified on duty with a safety vest.
If a parent/guardian needs to pick up his/her son/daughter during the school day, this must be facilitated at the office. Members
of the office staff will call the student down to the office to be signed out. If parents send a friend/relative/designate to pick up
their child, please advise the school in advance and ask the designate to provide photo identification at the office. If the student
returns to school before dismissal, he/she must sign back in at the office so that his/her attendance can be monitored.
Make Every Day Count - Attendance Matters
Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school—and themselves. Now is the time to start building this habit
so your child learns right away that going to school on time, every day is important. Good attendance will help children do well in
high school, college or university and in the world of work.
Did You Know?
Absences can add up quickly. A child is considered chronically absent if he/she misses just two days every month!!
Research shows:
Children chronically absent in kindergarten and grade one are much less likely to read at grade level by the end of grade
three.
By grade six, chronic absence is a proven early warning sign for students at risk for dropping out of school.
By grade nine, good attendance can predict graduation rates even better than grade eight test scores.
Being late to school may lead to poor attendance.
School success goes hand in hand with good attendance!
What You Can Do:
Set a regular bed time and morning routine.
Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.
Don’t let your child stay home unless he/she is truly sick. Keep in mind complaints of a stomach ache or headache can be a
sign of anxiety and not a reason to stay home. Check with your physician if frequent physical complaints are an issue.
If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, the school social worker, or other parents for advice
on how to make him/her feel comfortable and excited about learning. Attending school regularly and arriving on time
often helps students feel more comfortable and less anxious in the long run. Chronic absence makes it difficult for a child to
feel a part of the classroom community.
Develop back-up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbour, or another
parent to help.
Avoid medical appointments and extended trips when school is in session.
Communicate with the school and let us know how we can best support you and your children so that they can show up for
school on time every day. We want your child to be successful in school! If you have any questions or need more
information please contact your child’s teacher, principal or vice principal.
Contact the school if you are planning on taking your child out of school for more than five days as some absences require
the permission of the school principal.Safe Arrival - Automated Attendance
In June 2018, The Durham Catholic District School Board adopted a new automated attendance system, called Safe Arrival, for
reporting student absences. Safe Arrival reduces the time it takes to verify student attendance making it easier for you to report
your child’s absence and easier for staff to respond to unexplained student absences. Parents are able to report their child’s
absence quickly and conveniently using three different methods:
1. Parents can log into a website: go.schoolmessenger.ca to report student absences.
2. Parents can call into the automated interactive telephone system using the toll free number
1-844-288-7628 through which absences can be reported.
3. Parents can download the SafeArrival app for iOS and Android smartphones. Search for the keyword
school messenger in the Google Play store or the Apple App store. Select Canada, select sign up, enter your email address
that is on file with the school, enter a password.
All three methods are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Future absences, like doctor’s appointments can be reported
ahead of time. For more information, please visit the school website.
Restorative Schools
We believe that safety begins with positive connections between the students, staff and parents. To foster these relationships,
staff in the Durham Catholic District School Board use restorative practices, including classroom circles and small group
conferences to build community within the classroom and the school. Restorative Practice is rooted in the same philosophical
approach as Canada’s Native Aboriginal communities. It rests on the belief that it is best to do things with people, rather than to
them. When conflict arises, using restorative practice engages students in a fair process that responds to behavior in ways that
strengthen and repair the relationship. It is collaborative rather than adversarial in nature. The aim of restorative practice is to
hold individuals accountable for their actions while restoring and repairing any relationships amongst each other and within the
community that may have been harmed.
Catholic Restorative Schools will:
Provide opportunities for someone who has done harm to determine the effect of his/her actions and make reparations
Provide a voice for the victim
Use a common set of restorative questions both in and out of our classrooms to give the victim a voice and enable the
perpetrator to determine the effect of his/her actions. “How do you think your actions had an impact on others?” “What
do you think you need to do to make things right?”
Use circles, or small group conferences to build community, develop empathy and understanding, and when needed,
to repair relationships
Celebrate our Catholic community through the Catholic virtues and Catholic Graduate Expectations
Use think papers and reflective discussion papers aligned with the restorative questions
School Code of Conduct
All schools base their individual school Code of Conduct on the Ministry of Education Code of Conduct. As per Board Policy
and the Ontario Safe School Act, each school’s Code of Conduct will be developed in consultation with parents, teachers and
the Catholic School Advisory Council. All members of the school community will be responsible for adhering to the expectations
as outlined in this Code of Conduct.
Schools within the Durham Catholic District School Board will focus on prevention, early intervention and progressive discipline
as the key to maintaining a positive school environment in which students can learn and educators can teach. When
inappropriate behaviour occurs, all staff members will utilize a range of interventions, supports and consequences that are
developmentally appropriate, that include opportunities for students to learn from mistakes, and that focus on improving
behaviour. In some circumstances, short term suspension may be the method of progressive discipline utilized. In the case of a
serious incident, long-term suspension or expulsion, which is further along the continuum of progressive discipline, may be the
response that is required.
Statement of Purpose
The provincial Code of Conduct sets clear provincial standards of behaviour. These standards of behaviour apply not only to
students, but also to all individuals involved in the publicly funded school system whether they are on school property, on school
buses, at school-related events or activities, or in other circumstances that could have an impact on the school climate.
The purpose of the Provincial Code of Conduct and the School Code of Conduct is: To ensure that all members of the school community, especially people in positions of authority, are treated with respect
and dignity.
To promote responsible citizenship by encouraging appropriate participation in the civic life of the school community.
To maintain an environment where conflict and difference can be addressed in a manner characterized by respect and
civility.
To encourage the use of non-violent means to resolve conflict.
To promote the safety of people in the schools.
To discourage the use of alcohol, cannabis and illegal drugs.
Guiding Principles
Responsible citizenship involves appropriate participation in the civic life of the school community.
Active and engaged citizens are aware of their rights, but more importantly, they accept responsibility for protecting their
rights and the rights of others.
Members of the school community are expected to use non-violent means to resolve conflict.
Physically aggressive behaviour is not a responsible way to interact with others.
The possession, use or threatened use of any object to injure another person endangers the safety of oneself and others.
Alcohol, cannabis and illegal drugs are addictive and present a health hazard.
The school will work cooperatively with police, drug and alcohol agencies to promote prevention strategies and, where
necessary, respond to school members who are in possession of, or under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
Insults, disrespect, and other hurtful acts disrupt learning and teaching in a school community.
Members of the school community have a responsibility to maintain an environment where conflict and difference can be
addressed in a manner characterized by respect and civility.
Standards of Behaviour
I) Respect, Civility, and Responsible Citizenship
All members of the school community must:
Respect and comply with all applicable federal, provincial, and municipal laws;
Demonstrate honesty and integrity;
Respect differences in people, their ideas, and their opinions;
Treat one another with dignity and respect at all times, and especially when there is disagreement;
Respect and treat others fairly, regardless of, for example, race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship,
religion, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability;
Respect the rights of others;
Show proper care and regard for school property and the property of others;
Take appropriate measures to help those in need;
Seek assistance from a member of the school staff, if necessary, to resolve conflict peacefully;
Respect all members of the school community, especially persons in positions of authority;
Respect the need of others to work in an environment that is conducive to learning and teaching;
Not swear at a teacher or at another person in a position of authority.
II) Safety
All members of the school community must not:
Engage in bullying behaviours;
Commit sexual assault;
Traffic weapons, illegal or illicit drugs;
Give alcohol, cannabis or illegal drugs to a minor;
Commit robbery;
Be in possession of any weapon, including firearms;
Use any object to threaten or intimidate another person;
Cause injury to any person with an object;
Be in possession of, or under the influence of, or provide others with alcohol or illegal drugs;
Inflict or encourage others to inflict bodily harm on another person;
Engage in hate propaganda and other forms of behaviour motivated by hate or bias;
Commit an act of vandalism that causes extensive damage to school property or to property located on the premises of the
school.Consequences for Student Behaviour
Commensurate with the Durham Catholic District School Board’s Progressive Discipline Policy, when inappropriate behaviour
occurs, schools are required to utilize a range of interventions, supports, and consequences that are developmentally
appropriate, provide opportunities for students to learn from mistakes, and focus on improving behaviour. In some
circumstances, short-term suspension may be the appropriate consequence while in more serious incidents, long-term
suspension or expulsion may be the response that is required.
Suspension
The infractions for which a suspension may be considered by the principal include:
Uttering a threat to inflict serious bodily harm on another person;
Possessing alcohol, illegal drugs or cannabis (unless the pupil is a medical cannabis user);
Being under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs or cannabis (unless the pupil is a medical cannabis user);
Swearing at a teacher or at another person in a position of authority;
Committing an act of vandalism that causes extensive damage to school property at the pupil’s school or to property
located on the premises of the pupil’s school;
Bullying
Uttering a racial slur or comment;
Sexual slurs or harassment;
Possession and/or use of tobacco products;
Disrespect towards or desecration of the religious dimension of the school;
Conduct deemed to be unacceptable: e.g.,
Fighting/Violence
Use of profane or improper language
Persistent opposition to authority
Persistent tardiness and/or truancy including “skipping” classes
Theft
Inappropriate use of Social Media
Any other behaviours deemed to be contrary to the school Code of Conduct.
A student may be suspended for a minimum of one (1) school day and a maximum of twenty (20) school days.
Expulsion
The infractions for which a principal shall suspend and may consider recommending to the Board that a pupil be expelled from
the pupil’s school or from all schools of the Board include:
Possessing a weapon, including possessing a knife or a firearm;
Using a weapon to cause or to threaten bodily harm to another person;
Bullying, if the pupil has previously been suspended for engaging in bullying, and the pupil’s continuing presence in the
school creates an unacceptable risk to the safety of another person;
Committing physical assault on another person that causes bodily harm requiring treatment by a medical practitioner;
Committing sexual assault;
Trafficking in weapons or restricted or illegal drugs;
Committing robbery;
Giving cannabis to a minor;
Giving alcohol to a minor;
Any activity listed in the Code of Conduct for which a suspension must be considered that is motivated by bias,
prejudice or hate based on race, national or ethnic origin, language, colour, religion, sex, age, mental or physical
disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other similar factor;
Engaging in activities or patterns of behaviour on or off school property that cause the pupil’s presence in the school to
create an unacceptable risk to the physical or mental well-being of other person(s) in the school or Board;
Engaging in activities on or off school property that have caused extensive damage to the property of the Board or to
goods that are/were on Board property;
Conduct deemed to be unacceptable:
Any act considered by the Principal and Family of Schools Superintendent to be a serious violation of the
Board or school Code of Conduct.Mitigating Factors
Before the principal or vice principal makes a decision to suspend or recommend an expulsion he/she must consider all
mitigating circumstances.
Whether the student has the ability to control his or her behaviour;
Whether the student has the ability to understand the foreseeable consequences of his or her behavior; and
Whether the student’s continuing presence in the school does or does not create an unacceptable risk to the safety of any
person in the school.
Other Factors to be Considered
The student’s academic, discipline and personal history
Whether a progressive discipline approach has been used with the student;
Whether the activity for which the student may be or is being suspended or expelled was related to any harassment of the
student because of race, ethnic origin, religion, disability, gender or sexual orientation or to any other harassment;
The impact of the discipline on the student’s ongoing education;
The age of the student;
In the case where the student has an Individual Education Plan(IEP) or disability-related needs:
Whether the behaviour was a manifestation of a disability identified in the student’s Individual Education Plan;
Whether appropriate individualized accommodation has been provided, and
Whether the suspension is likely to result in aggravating or worsening of the student’s behaviour or conduct.
Roles and Responsibilities
School Boards
School Boards provide direction to their schools to ensure opportunity, academic excellence, and accountability in the education
system. It is the responsibility of the School Board to:
Model Christian behaviours founded in Catholic tradition;
Develop policies that set out how their schools will implement and enforce the provincial Code of Conduct and all other
rules that they develop that are related to the provincial standards that promote and support respect, civility, responsible
citizenship, and safety;
Review these policies regularly with students, staff, parents, volunteers, and the community;
Seek input from school councils, their Parent Involvement Committee, their Special Education Advisory Committee,
parents, students, staff members, and the school community;
Establish a process that clearly communicates the provincial Code of Conduct and School Board Codes of Conduct to all
parents, students, staff members, and members of the school community in order to obtain their commitment and support;
Develop effective intervention strategies and respond to all infractions related to the standards for respect, civility,
responsible citizenship, and safety; and
Provide opportunities for all of the staff to acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to develop and maintain
academic excellence in a safe learning and teaching environment; and wherever possible, Boards should collaborate to
provide coordinated prevention and intervention programs and services, and should endeavor to share effective practices.
Principals
Under the direction of their School Boards, principals take a leadership role in the daily operation of a school. They provide this
leadership by:
Modeling Christian behaviours founded in Catholic tradition;
Demonstrating care for the school community and a commitment to academic excellence in a safe teaching and learning
environment;
Holding everyone under their authority accountable for his or her behaviour and actions;
Empowering students to be positive leaders in their school and community; and
Communicating regularly and meaningfully with all members of their school community.
Teachers and Other School Staff Members
Under the leadership of their principals, teachers and other school staff members maintain order in the school and are expected
to hold everyone to the highest standard of respectful and responsible behaviour. As role models, teachers and school staff
uphold these high standards when they:
Model Christian behaviours founded in Catholic tradition;
Help students work to their full potential and develop their sense of self-worth; Empower students to be positive leaders in their classroom, school, and community;
Communicate regularly and meaningfully with parents;
Maintain consistent standards of behaviour for all students;
Demonstrate respect for all students, staff, parents, volunteers, and the members of the school community; and
Prepare students for the full responsibilities of citizenship.
Students
Students are to be treated with respect and dignity. In return, they must demonstrate respect for themselves, for others, and for
the responsibilities of citizenship through acceptable behaviour.
Respect and responsibility are demonstrated when a student:
Models Christian behaviours founded in Catholic tradition;
Comes to school prepared, on time., and ready to learn;
Shows respect for himself or herself, for others, and for those in authority;
Refrains from bringing anything to school that may compromise the safety of others; and
Follows the established rules and takes responsibility for his or her own actions.
Parents/Guardians
Parents/Guardians play an important role in the education of their children, and can support the efforts of school staff in
maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment for all students. Parents fulfill their role when they:
Support the values of our Catholic school system;
Conduct themselves in an appropriate manner;
Take responsibility and support the efforts of school staff in maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment for all
students;
Show an active interest in their child’s school work and progress;
Communicate regularly with the school;
Help their child be neat, appropriately dressed, and prepared for school;
Ensure that their child attends school regularly and on time;
Promptly report to the school their child’s absence or late arrival;
Show that they are familiar with the provincial Code of Conduct, the Board’s Code of Conduct and school rules;
Encourage and assist their child in following the rules of behaviour; and
Assist school staff in dealing with disciplinary issues involving their child.
School Code of Conduct on School Bus Vehicles
All school bus vehicles are considered an extension of the classroom and all school policies such as Safe Schools, and School
Code of Conduct apply to the school bus. All transported students whether on a field trip or home to school transportation are
expected to behave in a manner on the bus that ensures that everyone remains safe. Since the bus is an extension of the
school, students are accountable to the school principal who has the authority to ensure that student conduct on the school bus
is appropriate.
Due to the nature of the activity of riding a bus, the following are expectations for all methods of school transportation as per the
School Code of Conduct.
All students must:
• Respect other people’s property and belongings while waiting for the school bus;
• Treat the driver with respect and follow his/her instructions;
• Be courteous and respectful to others on the bus at all times;
• Act appropriately in a manner that does not endanger the safety of oneself or others including, but not limited to:
- Not engaging in any activity that interferes with the safe operation of the bus
- Remaining seated at all times, facing forward while the bus is in motion
- Keeping hands, arms, feet, head and belongings inside the vehicle until the student has exited at his/her stop
- Not distracting or speaking to the bus driver except in the case of emergency
- Refraining from inappropriate behavior on the bus, e.g., throwing items, swearing, fighting, or bullying
- Not bringing alcohol, drugs or weapons onto the school bus
- Not touching safety equipment or emergency exits except in the case of an emergency
- Not eating or drinking on the busSafe and Caring Schools Report It – Non-Emergency Report System
Parents and students are encouraged to report incidents of bullying or other school safety concerns as soon as they happen by
contacting their teacher and/or school administration. We recognize that bullying affects a student’s sense of safety and
security, and some people may not feel comfortable reporting bullying or other school safety incidents. To help ease this worry,
students and parents are welcome to use the Report It page available on the school website to report incidents of bullying or
other safety concerns that have not already been reported. School safety concerns can be reported anonymously or contact
information can be given so that appropriate follow-up can occur. The information provided will be forwarded to the school
principal for action and a follow-up response if requested.
Community Threat Assessment and Intervention Protocol– Fair Notice
The Durham Catholic District School Board is committed to providing safe learning environments for all students, staff, school
visitors and community members. When student behaviours pose a potential threat to safety or serious harm to self or others,
all schools in the Durham Catholic District School Board follow the Community Threat Assessment and Intervention Protocol
(C-TAIP), which outlines how a school responds immediately to threatening behaviour. This protocol involves supports from
various partners, including community agencies, hospitals and police services. Personal information shared throughout this
process will always respect and balance each individual’s right to privacy while ensuring the safety of all. For more information,
please refer to the school website or ask the principal for more information.
Search and Seizure
According to the Police/School Board Protocol for Durham Catholic District School Board, it is the right and authority of the
Principal or designate to search school and personal property, such as lockers, desks, backpacks, purses, etc., without notice or
permission of any person as long as the Principal or designate has reasonable grounds to believe that there has been a breach
of school regulations and that the search would reveal evidence of that breach. In exigent circumstances, Police may come
onto school premises to conduct their own searches, also without prior notice to or permission of any member of the school
community.
Community Partners
Through outreach, school and community partnerships already in place may be enhanced and new partnerships developed with
community agencies and other groups within the community (e.g., Kinark Family and Child Services, Aboriginal Elders).
Community agencies are important resources that schools can use to deliver prevention or intervention programs. Protocols are
effective ways of establishing connections between boards and community agencies and formalizing the partnership. These
partnership agreements must respect all applicable collective agreements and Board policies.
Durham Regional Police Service Partnerships
The Durham Regional Police Service plays an essential role in making our schools and communities safer. The police
investigate incidents in accordance with our Police/School Board protocol. This protocol is based on the provincial model
developed by the Ministry of Education. The Durham Regional Police Service are instrumental in supporting our schools with all
emergency preparedness procedures and Safe Schools initiatives. Each of our schools has regular access to a School Liaison
Officer.
Emergency Response Plans
Each September, as part of our Police/Board protocol we practice our emergency response procedures so all staff
and students are well prepared in the event of a real emergency. Using newsletters and the school website, we will
provide all families with details of our practices and the role that parents play in supporting a school’s emergency
response.
Fire Drills: Students practise the appropriate way to exit the building when they hear a
fire alarm. Practices are held when students are in class, at recess and where an exit
might be blocked.
Lockdown: Students practise the appropriate way to respond to a threat of danger
inside the school using the R-SAFE acronym. Students are taught to get to the nearest
and safest location as quickly as possible, what to do when they get there and the
importance of remaining quiet.Hold and Secure: Students practice how to respond to a threat of danger outside the school. In the case of a Hold
and Secure, all exterior doors remain locked and students remain inside, away from exterior doors and windows until
the Hold and Secure has been lifted. In most cases, the need for a Hold and Secure is at the request of the police,
based on a situation in the neighbourhood. In these cases, the school must wait for the police to lift the request for a
Hold and Secure
Shelter in Place: Students practice how to respond to an environmental danger, like a hurricane. In most cases, the
response will be a Hold and Secure with specific directions based on the environmental concern.
Bomb Threat: Students are taught the appropriate response to a bomb threat which includes never touching a
suspicious package, and listening carefully to the directions of the teacher or the administration if an evacuation is
warranted.
How can parents help?
Parents can help by following the procedures associated with each of plans should they be present during a drill or
should a real situation occur. School administration must follow the direction of the police as soon as they become
involved in an emergency response. As such, Parents must understand that schools are unable to release students
during an emergency response without the expressed permission of the police.
Parents can also assist the school by emphasizing with their children the importance of closely following the direction
of the staff during a drill or a real emergency. Parents should encourage their children to share any information they
may have about a threat of violence toward a school or information they may have after a violent incident. It is
everyone’s responsibility to help keep our school safe.
Permission for Photo and Video Sharing at School
As we try to keep pace with social media that is so much a part of our students’ lives, it is important to be reminded of
people’s right to privacy. While taking photos or videos at various school events, please be mindful that it is illegal to
post/upload/share photos or videos of anyone other than yourself your child on the internet or anywhere without the expressed
consent of the person or their guardian. Sharing photos or videos of others without their consent is a privacy violation.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
BYOD allows students to bring their own electronic devices to school for educational purposes. Students are expected to use
devices responsibly, and only with the permission and direction of teachers or other staff members. Research indicates that the
use of technology increases engagement, which leads to improved student success. The following are reasons why BYOD
works well:
Students are usually experts in their own device and can customize it to suit their learning needs
Students can use it to learn anytime, anywhere;
Students can collaborate and work anytime; before school, after school, and at lunchtime; and
Student-owned devices are often more up-to-date than those provided by the school due to the cost of replacing
hardware for the entire system.
Our students are going to live and work in a world where people use electronic devices regularly. They need to learn how to
use devices in a respectful, responsible and ethical manner. The Durham Catholic District School Board’s BYOD procedures,
School Codes of Conduct and Ontario Graduate Expectations will guide teachers in the process of teaching students what it
means to be good digital citizens.
Not every parent can, or wants to send their child to school with an electronic device. Teachers will continue to plan lessons
that do not require the use of a personally owned device. Teachers are encouraged to give advanced notice when they plan to
incorporate electronic devices into a lesson. Students without devices will have the opportunity to work collaboratively with
other students or borrow a school device.
Students are required to use the Board’s wireless network, which they can access at no cost while at school. They will not be
permitted to access their paid data plans while in school. The Durham Catholic District School Board’s network filter will help
prevent students from accessing inappropriate web content while they are logged in at school.
Schools will have plans in place to help students keep their devices secures. Ultimately, students are responsible for lost,
stolen, and/or damaged personal electronic devices, just as they are for other personal items brought to school.Elementary School - Acceptable Use of Technology Agreement
• I will protect my digital identity, my passwords, and my classmate’s right to privacy.
• I will use electronic devices and the internet for positive purposes to make people’s lives better.
• I will ask or tell an adult if I see something inappropriate.
• I will take a stand against cyber-bullying.
• I will only use personally owned electronic devices (e.g., cell phones, tablets) during class time when it is allowed by
my teacher.
• I will not copy the work of others from the internet.
• I will not take pictures of people without permission from the teacher, principal and student.
• I will not use an electronic device in private areas (e.g. washrooms, change rooms, health rooms and administrative
offices).
• I will only use social media in a manner that respects the dignity of others.
• I will remember Jesus’ message do unto others as I would have done to me.
Durham Catholic District School Board Concussion Policy
All school boards in the Province of Ontario are required by law to have a Concussion policy and school board administrative
procedures in place so that students, school staff and parents/guardians understand their role in preventing, managing and
reporting suspected or diagnosed concussions.
A concussion is the term for a clinical diagnosis that is made by a medical doctor or a nurse practitioner. The definition of
concussion below is adapted from the definition provided in the concussion protocol in the Ontario Physical Education Safety
Guidelines.
A concussion:
is a brain injury that causes changes in the way in which the brain functions and that can lead to symptoms that can be
physical (e.g., headache, dizziness), cognitive (e.g., difficulty in concentrating or remembering), emotional/behavioural
(e.g., depression, irritability), and/or related to sleep (e.g., drowsiness, difficulty in falling asleep);
may be caused either by a direct blow to the head, face, or neck or by a blow to the body that transmits a force to the
head that causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull;
can occur even if there has been no loss of consciousness (in fact most concussions occur without a loss of
consciousness);
cannot normally be seen by means of medical imaging tests, such as X-rays, standard computed tomography (CT)
scans, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.
A specific concussion protocol and tool now exists in all Durham Catholic District School Board schools that includes
responsibilities for Board and school staff, students and parents/guardians. Additionally, health units and sports and fitness
organizations in Durham are using this protocol to raise awareness to help prevent and manage concussions.
It is important to note that all suspected concussions must be reported and a medical doctor or nurse practitioner make a
diagnosis and participate in the Return To Learn and/or Physical Activity documentation process.
The concussion tool noted in this student agenda is a resource for school staff, parents/guardians and students.
Parents/guardians and students are encouraged to contact your school principal for more details about the new concussion
management and prevention safety protocols that exist to promote student safety and success.
PLEDGE OF ACADEMIC HONESTY
Students of the Durham Catholic District School Board are instructed in faith and are taught to use the Ontario Catholic Graduate
Expectations as the guiding principles for their moral, Christian, and academic development.
Academic honesty, based on respect for others and oneself, is a fundamental value in Catholic schools. Catholic educators are
expected to teach students about plagiarism and cheating and about measures they must take as responsible and self-regulating
learners to avoid academic dishonesty.
Students are expected to:
• Submit work, including tests and exams, consisting of their own ideas, expressed in their own words;
• Demonstrate respect for the ideas of others by acknowledging the sources they use in appropriate ways;
• Take responsibility for completing work on time and seek additional time or assistance when needed.Failure to meet these expectations may result in variety of consequences, one of which includes a mark of zero.
Student Pledge of Academic Honesty:
I understand the importance of academic honesty and I know that plagiarism and cheating are dishonest. If I cheat or plagiarize,
I must accept the consequences of my actions, which could include a mark of zero.
My signature below indicates my pledge to demonstrate respect for myself, my teachers and my fellow students by acting honestly
at all times in my academic work.
Board
Agenda Review Sign Off
By signing below you are indicating that you have reviewed the information contained in the student agenda and that you agree
to abide by them. For further information, the related Board policies are available on the Board’s website: http://www.dcdsb.ca,
and in the school office
• School Code of Conduct (PO 431)
• Fair Notice of Community Threat Assessment and Intervention Protocol
• Acceptable Use of Information and Communication Technology Policy (PO431)
• Concussion Policy (PO614)
Student’s Signature
Date:
If student is younger than 18 years of age: I have discussed the information contained in this agenda with my child.
Parent/Guardian’s Full Name (Please Print):
Parent/Guardian’s Signature:
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